Numerous studies show that building social connections is just as important as exercise and diet in the care of good mental health. We are profoundly shaped by our social environment, and we suffer greatly when are social bonds are threatened or broken. Conversely, individuals who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. They also have links to higher self-esteem and greater empathy for others. With that in mind, cultivating and strengthening connections is at the core of each of Coronado SAFE’s programs.

YOUTH & FAMILY COUNSELING

Whether we are supporting individuals or families through a difficult season or helping them conquer anxiety and depression, our staff is here to serve the needs of the Coronado community. With backgrounds in Marriage and Family Therapy and Social Work, our therapists offer short-term, confidential, and low-cost counseling services. We aim to foster personal growth, self-awareness, and coping skills by utilizing several evidence-based modalities in 8-session increments such as Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, CBT, and Art and Play Therapy techniques. We Provide:

Individual and Family Counseling: 8 session module that provides solution focused and strength-based strategies to youth and families struggling with a variety of issues.

Counseling support groups: Offered to youth and parents

PARENT & COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Coronado SAFE works to promote the wellness of all students and parents to enhance strengths and positive development. Through our community services and community partners, we strive to create environments and conditions that support a sense of belonging, well-being, and safety for Coronado families. We Provide:

Coffee Talks: Once a month 1-hour interactive presentation given by an expert in the field on a hot topic affecting our families.

SAFE Coalition: Once a month meeting with pertinent stakeholders in Coronado (City Council Members, Superintendent, all private and public school principals and counselors, SRO, Police, PERT, Library staff, etc) to collaborate about the social and emotional needs of our community.

Aloha Club: A welcoming committee for new families in Coronado. 50 baskets were delivered in early September by volunteers and several new families matched with existing families to increase support and connection.

Parenting Workshops: 4-6 week parenting classes that empower our parents with the tools to manage in the moment situations with their child(ren).

As well as: Community Outreach; Online Resources and Tools.

PROGRAMS & OUTREACH FOR YOUTH

Current research tells us that our youth are among the loneliest generation today. While there is no “one cause” for this phenomenon, the rates of isolation will only continue unless we nurture the development of social and emotional skills, beginning at the youngest age. Social-emotional learning or SEL, entails: self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. These core competencies are linked to greater lifetime wellbeing and to academic and workplace success. Through our partnerships with Coronado’s public and private schools we provide the following developmentally appropriate and evidence-based SEL programs for the 2019-2020 calendar year:

Children (4-10):

Our curriculums include: (Turtle Time, Remote Control Club, and Check your Engine) that all serve to increase impulse control, emotion management, and healthy decision making. These interactive and skill-based curriculums are adapted and tailored to fit the expressed needs of each developmental age and level (i.e. entire classroom or targeted group)

(Power of Pause): Youth are guided through mindfulness and wellness activities and lessons that encourage growth mindset, stress tolerance, self-awareness, and self-management. By taking time for intentional “pauses” in their day, adolescents increase attunement to their thoughts, feelings and behaviors, which in turn increases the recognition of the needs and feelings of others. A follow up lunch outreach is offered to those youth who want to dive deeper into the lessons.

Special events like The Drug Store, Suicide Awareness, and Mental Health Awareness.

Teenagers (14-18):

(Game Club): Disguised as a game club, this program helps adolescents practice social skills and community building during lunch. Because lunch is unstructured, it can be a stressful and anxiety provoking time for those who might be struggling with connectedness to peers.